October 14, 1968
Page 31911
A UNIQUE EDUCATIONAL PUBLICATION
HON. WILLIAM L. ST. ONGE OF CONNECTICUT IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Monday, October 14, 1968
Mr. ST. ONGE. Mr. Speaker, not so long ago a public opinion poll revealed that half of our population does not know the names of the legislators elected to represent them in Congress, and that more than three-fourths of our people are not aware of how their Representatives voted on major bills coming before the Congress.
The tragedy of this situation has certainly become evident at this time when the Nation is once again experiencing an important election. Lack of knowledge regarding the operations of our Government can certainly not insure judicious use of democracy's basic and most precious tool – the vote.
Fortunately, there are many who are deeply concerned about this situation and who realize the importance of a well-informed electorate. They also believe it is high time to insure that the citizens of our country do not fall into greater apathy and cynicism, and that education must play a dominant role in keeping our electorate informed.
In this connection, I wish to draw attention to a unique publication entitled "Selections From the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD and Review" which is dedicated to "The Youth of Today – Citizens of Tomorrow" and whose avowed aims are: to stimulate student interest in good government; promulgate greater understanding of current issues of concern to our Nation; evoke participation in U.S. Government through selected comments, and meet all these challenges by presenting opposing views.
"Selections Review" has already been accredited in a number of States. The commissioner of education of my own State of Connecticut, the Honorable William J. Sanders, has informed me that he considers it an excellent service and that his department will call the attention of the social studies department heads in high schools throughout the State to its availability. And the Honorable Owen B. Kiernan, commissioner of education in the State of Massachusetts, has written that though his department does not issue an official list of State recommended or approved textbooks, this publication will be suggested for purchase as a journal to supplement and enrich printed materials on history, social studies, and government.
Because of the nature of its contents, I feel that this excellent publication should indeed reach the attention of educators throughout the country. They will find it most helpful. In conclusion, I wish to insert in the RECORD the text of a letter by an attorney in Oregon, written to the Governor of that State, giving a fine description of the publication and its contents, as well as brief comments by leading Members of Congress:
HILLSBORO, OREG.,
May 3, 1967.
Gov. THOMAS MCCALL,
State House,
Salem, Oreg.
DEAR GOVERNOR McCALL: Recently friends drew my attention to "Selections' Review'" a publication aimed at stimulating greater student interest in good government. In common with many others, and as an active member of the Oregon State Bar, I believe that our government at all levels could be improved. One way of achieving this, it seems to me, is to arouse a more direct and active interest and concern in our young people in the operation of our government and in the law-making process itself.
Judging from its contents, I believe "Selections Review" could not only stimulate the intellectual curiosity of students in the democratic processes and hence make them more responsive and effective citizens later on, but also provide a basis for simulated sessions of Congress in the classroom, the students reading the very words of our statesmen.
The issue I saw contained excerpts, fairly balanced both pro and con, on water pollution, air pollution, beautification, immigration, and medicare. It also contained material on the arts and humanities, a profile on the Dean of the Senate, Carl Hayden of Arizona, a lawmaker who has served his State since 1912, and a fine article on the Library of Congress.
"Selections' Review" is well edited and unbiased. Its standards are high, its tone positive. I understand copies of it have been sent to the school superintendents of the fifty States.
I might add that other than to promote good government, I have no interest, direct or indirect, in this publication. But I do feel strongly that our people should be more concerned and more interested in governmental problems. I am goaded on in this by the knowledge that very many of our people seem ignorant not only of the workings of the legislatures and Congress, but even – fantastic as it seems – of the very names of the men selected to represent them.
It is for these reasons that I invite your attention to "Selections' Review." I feel sure you will agree that this publication can, in addition to helping librarians, teachers and other educators in Oregon present effectively some of the problems facing the nation's lawmakers, enlarge the vision of the students whilst instilling in them a fervent and abiding desire for good government.
Sincerely,
JOHN M. SEUS.
EXCERPTS: COMMENTS ON THE NEW EDUCATIONAL PUBLICATION "SELECTIONS' REVIEW"
Vice President HUBERT H. HUMPHREY. "This will be an excellent teaching tool for bringing the legislative process to our young people."
Senator WALTER F. MONDALE, Minnesota. "Selections' Review certainly offers a wealth of information about the Congress and important public issues for the enterprising student."
Senator WAYNE MORSE, Oregon. "The publication is a most interesting one which, I am sure, will be welcomed by educators as a teaching tool."
Senator FRANK E. Moss, Utah. "(It) brings together information contained in the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD in a way that should be impressive to our young people and most helpful to them in understanding the course of government and the thinking of the leaders of the Congress. I hope that this publication will become permanent and will be widely used."
Senator EDMUND S. MUSKIE, Maine. "It is my hope that the publication will reach the library of each institution of higher education in our country. I believe your presentation will indeed stimulate student interest in government and the issues before our nation."
Senator GAYLORD NELSON, Wisconsin. "This publication will, I am sure, be of immeasurable value to young people in providing them with a knowledge of our legislative process."